How Dancing Helps With Everyday Stress-Relief

April 16, 2018

We all know that exercise is good for us. But, knowing it and doing it is not the same thing. When we think of exercise, often our mind goes to the gym. The thought is usually followed with a sense of dread. So, how do you force yourself to do something that is good for you, relieves your stress, and makes you healthy? You find an exercise that you enjoy.

Dancing

Dancing combines physical movement, with music. That sounds pretty basic, but the fact is, physical movement and music are two powerful stress-busters. Let’s look at the science behind it.

When you dance, your brain releases neurotransmitters and endorphins. These are the chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. This is nature’s reward system. You are giving your body what it needs, and it is rewarding you with a really good feeling. The more you do, the more you get. This is pretty cool, isn’t it?

The benefits are long-term

The more you dance, the more your body responds. You already feel the emotional lift, but there is a physical reward as well. As you get stronger, your muscles are toned. Your circulation is better. Your heart beats stronger, and your lungs get a work out which keeps them healthy. But that is not nearly all there is to it. Dancing also helps with:

Dance gear

Whether you are dancing for fun, sport, or competition, you need a few basic tools. Dancing gear includes tights, costumes, and dancing shoes. These are not just for show. While they are beautiful, you need shoes that allow smooth movement on the floor. A body in motion can be seriously injured if the shoes do not move when they are supposed to. Tights, leotards, and warm-up clothing support the body. Clothes that are not made for dancing or do not fit well can trip you or cause you to become tangled and fall. For more information contact Just For Kix. They are one of the best dance costume companies in the country.

Nutrition

If you are dancing for stress-relief, take into consideration what you are fueling your body with. Dancing turns on your natural anti-stress hormones. It refreshes you and builds your muscles. Keep in mind that the muscles you are building need protein to regenerate themselves. Carbohydrates give you quick energy (which is good to know if you begin to run down) but sugar is not your friend. Eating sugar will give you a burst of energy followed by an uncomfortable crash.

Dancing burns a lot of calories. If you are trying to lose weight, it will help. If you are trying to maintain your weight, you will want to increase your calories in the form of healthy proteins, fats, and fresh fruits.

Hydration

Finally, it is important that you drink plenty of fresh, clean, water. Dehydration is more common than people think. You will use a lot of energy and fluid while dancing. You must replace it.

Signs of dehydration can include:

Thirst

Dry skin

Headache

Dizziness

Tired feeling

Dry mouth

The average person should drink 2 liters (8 glasses) of liquid per day. At least half of that liquid should be in the form of water. If you are dancing, avoid caffeine heavy drinks such as coffee and tea.

As you can see, dancing is great exercise. It is fun and good for you. There is no downside to using dance as a form of stress-busting exercise. So, what are you waiting for? Break out the tights and get moving.